Planning to Quit in Next Two Months, Says Australian Hockey Legend Jamie Dwyer
Three-time Olympian Jamie Dwyer has been an integral part of Australian hockey team since making his debut in 2001. In his 13-year-old illustrious career, Dwyer has achieved every possible recognition and medals, which includes two world titles, an Olympic gold, three Commonwealth Games gold and six consecutive Champions Trophy titles.
Legendary Australian hockey player Jamie Dwyer is all set to call time on his illustrious career within next two months, ruling out any possibility of representing the 'Kookaburras' in their Champions Trophy defence in India later this year.
Asked if the Indian hockey lovers would see him in action in December, Dwyer said from Perth, "No I don't think I am going to play in the Champions Trophy (in December this year). There are very mild chances of that. I am undecided at the moment (whether to retire from international hockey). I will make a decision in the next two months." (Indian Hockey Team Needs to Overcome Away Challenges: Dwyer)
The 35th edition of prestigious FIH Men's Hockey Champions Trophy will be held in Bhubaneswar, India from December 13 to 21 this year.
Dwyer said that he would be present during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro albeit in a different avatar.
"You will see me there (in Rio Olympics) but I guess not as a player. I am going to play the rest of the year with my club in the Australian Hockey League and then the Hockey India League early next year and then see what happens," he said.
Three-time Olympian Dwyer has been an integral part of Australian hockey team since making his debut in 2001. In his 13-year-old illustrious career, Dwyer has achieved every possible recognition and medals, which includes two world titles, an Olympic gold, three Commonwealth Games gold and six consecutive Champions Trophy titles.
Dwyer still has hunger for the game, but with age catching up he doesn't believe he will be able to sustain the rigours of international hockey for long.
The 35-year-old five-time world hockey player of the year winner said he is contended with the way his career has spanned so far.
"I feel I don't have anything more to achieve in hockey. But it would have been nice to win a couple more gold medals at the Olympics. I have been in three Olympics and got a medal from each one is really a good achievement," Dwyer said.
"I am very happy with my career. If I do retire I will be very satisfied that's for sure."
Despite ageing, Dwyer is still going strong in the hockey turf, a proof of which was visible in this year's World Cup at The Hague where he scored a goal in Australia's 6-1 win over Netherlands in the final.
Asked about the mantra behind his longevity, the former Australia captain said:"I think it's just really hard work. I have always been talented on the ball but I had to work hard to keep myself fit. Exercising, healthy eating and disciplined life."
Dwyer said post retirement he wants to get involved into coaching. He aready has some coaching experience with junior boys team at the YMCC Coastal City Hockey Club and Joondalup Lakers Hockey Club.
"Definitely, I have plans to come into coaching. I love hockey so I want to remain involved. So coaching is something I am looking forward to after my career," he signed off.